Students embrace new manufacturing technologies in TDI Challenge final

The TDI Challenge final took place on 4^th July at MTA member company Yamazaki Mazak’s European headquarters in Worcester.

This year saw an increased number of entries from across the UK, with a select few invited to Mazak to contest the final. Hundreds of students from across the UK submitted either their GCSE, A-Level or BTEC Design & Technology course work projects to be judged by a panel of experts drawn from the industry.

The TDI Challenge is split into three categories. There are two individual age groups: 14-16 and 17-19, with six finalists in each and for the second year there was a third category for group projects with three teams competing.

Stewart Lane, business manager at Renishaw and chair of the judging panel for the TDI Challenge said: “The standard of entries seems to improve year on year. The thing that most impressed the judges this time round was the breadth of manufacturing technologies being utilised by the students, demonstrating applied knowledge of the processes.

“We were also impressed by the thoughtfulness of the projects – many of the students had taken it upon themselves to design products that would help improve other people’s quality of life.”

The winner in the 14-16 category was Vivika Martini from Highgate School with her bike-mountable wind-powered charger, which was aimed at long distance cyclists who needing to keep their phones charged while in remote areas.

The judges noted that Vivika’s project was an “innovative use of technology; practical with a strong commercial potential.”

The winner in the 17-19 age category was Robbie MacIsaac of Strathallan School in Perth Scotland. His Flux Blowpipe design reduced the amount of moisture that gathers in a bagpipes’ blowpipe when performing.

The judges said that Robbie’s project was “well researched and incorporated a great use of materials. This product has a large potential market and Robbie’s presentation demonstrated the potential of his product.”

The winners in the group category were team CycleLight, from Sutton Grammar School with its illuminated cycling clothing. The judges said: “Great use of smart materials with strong commercial potential, this product clearly has great scope for future development.”

The TDI Challenge 2018 was sponsored by Close Brothers Asset Finance who provided the prizes for the event. Individual prizes picked up on the day included an iPad, GoPro, UE Boom speaker and a drone.

In addition to prizes on offer for the students placing in the top three in each category, the winning school in each category will also receive £2,000 of credit to spend with Technology Supplies Limited on D&T equipment for the classroom.

MTA www.mta.org.uk